Kevin Lamoureaux in a Tedx talk on January 3, 2020 talks about the best day of his life being on June 2, 2015 when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released their final report. That we as Canada were given a gift with the 94 Calls to Action and that they are considered our Road Map Home “Our way back to the country we would want to leave behind for our children”
He goes on to share a story that is both powerful and poignant and speaks to the meaning of family and love.
He also asks two important questions about the 94 Calls to Action
- Why is this being asked of us? – The Truth in Truth and reconciliation and that it exposes us to stories we may not have heard before. That we may feel frustrated and angry. And he states that the Federal government spends more money litigating against First Nations than supporting them. (Incidentally, I just read an article that there is a motion on the floor for the Federal government to stop litigation action. I have to explore that one further.)
- Would our society, our community and our country be better or worse if this Call to Action were fulfilled? – The Reconciliation part and that if we would be a better society, then we have been given a gift and an opportunity. We get to be part of the solution which is both powerful and humbling (in my opinion).
He speaks of the Canada we want to be and because of the strength of the survivors and the elders, we can engage in a relationship. Because even though as a people the First Nations have been hurt in so many ways they still stand there and say, let’s engage in a relationship and try to accomplish something beautiful together.
I found out today that this amazing speaker is being brought in by our school district to speak to teachers during our August Professional Development days. What a powerful way to start our year of relationships, listening and accomplishing something so meaningful.